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TMD Diagnosis

If you regularly suffer from headaches and pain that spreads from the area around the mouth to other parts of the face, the joints connecting your upper and lower jaw might not be functioning properly. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) makes it possible for you to move your mouth when eating, speaking, and doing other tasks. If you’re experiencing symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), our Cincinnati dentists can recommend appropriate TMJ treatment options.

What Is TMD?

The TMJ functions like a hinge, giving the mouth full range of movement. However, different factors can cause the joint to weaken, often resulting in pain and diminished function. TMD could be the result of:

Recurring pressure from regular teeth grinding or clenching, which can shift the TMJ out of proper alignment

Injury to the mouth, resulting in damage or dislocation

A traumatic bite, which can lead to improper alignment

Inflammation from chronic conditions like arthritis

Neuromuscular dentistry is dedicated to understanding the connection between the mouth and other parts of the face, as well as the treatment of TMD and other disorders that affect the craniofacial system. Dr. Gary and Dr. Tara both received extensive neuromuscular dentistry training from the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies, the foremost continuing education program in the country for diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders.

TMD Tests

To determine whether or not your TMD symptoms are caused by a problem with the jaw or a separate condition, our Cincinnati dentists will use several different tests:

A physical exam of the movement and function of your jaw

Applying gentle pressure around the joint to test for discomfort

Listening for clicking and popping noises when you open or close your mouth

X-ray, CT scan, or MRI imaging for an inside view of the TMJ and surrounding structures

Once Dr. Gary and Dr. Tara have reviewed the tests, our dentists will discuss whether or not you’re suffering from TMD and determine prospective treatment options. Some patients might be able to find relief with simple lifestyle and diet changes, while others might require a custom mouth guard or physical therapy to adjust the placement of the jaw and alleviate symptoms.

The pressure created by TMD can cause aches in multiple sites on the face and increase the risk of chipping or breaking teeth. Don’t sacrifice your smile to jaw pain: Please contact Hardin Advanced Dentistry via our online form or call (513) 342-0864 today to schedule your consultation. Dr. Tara and Dr. Gary welcome patients from in and around Cincinnati, Dayton, and Mason, Ohio, as well as Northern Kentucky and SE Indiana.

Why choose Dr. Tara Hardin?

Dr. Hardin is a Las Vegas Institute Fellow, granted only after a minimum of 278 hours of advanced education and experience in aesthetics, physiologic science, and a comprehensive practical examination. Additionally, she is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, an accreditation granted only to those with superior performance and knowledge in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. These qualifications are compounded by almost two decades of experience and continued education.

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What convinced me to try Hardin Dental, was that she not only emphasizes your smile, but also the health of my teeth.

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Now I smile with confidence and I have people telling me my teeth look beautiful.

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My experience at Hardin was nothing but positive. Dr. Tara Hardin made me feel very comfortable and important.

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The best thing about Hardin Advanced Dentistry is that Dr. Tara Hardin is just a perfectionist with what she does in the field of cosmetic dentistry.

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I had a great experience at Hardin Advanced Dentistry.

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My experience at Hardin Advanced Dentistry has been wonderful.

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The thing that I like most about Hardin Advanced Dentistry is the professionalism and timeliness of her staff, and the outcome of the work that was performed on my teeth.

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Amazing dentist and staff and the best work ever! I highly recommend this place!

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From the initial phone call.. To my appointment everyone treated me very kindly. I couldn't have asked for more as a patient. Thank you all for everything.

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I'm so glad I started as a patient over 10 years ago, because it is such a great feeling to have the "repairs" completed, and now I'm just in "maintenance" mode with a clean bill of dental health at every check-up!

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Everyone is always so pleasant and every visit is a great experience.

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I had my bottom two wisdom teeth pulled and it went very smoothly. They were very comforting and eased all my worries. I had absolutely no pain during the procedure.

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I give them 5 stars!

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Dr. Tara and her staff are the best. Organized, efficient, gentle, thorough, and very skilled are just a few of the adjectives that I would use to describe my experience.

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Best dental office ever. Dr Tara is one of the most knowledge dentists I've ever known.